Nick Reddy: In a class of his own.

Written by Jackson Bolin

Former Eden Prairie native and Mr. Hockey winner Nick Leddy marked a big milestone for the Blues on Saturday with a trip to Minnesota. The veteran defenseman skated in the 1,000th game of his NHL career in the same arena where he won a state championship in 2009. Leddy becomes the 14th Minnesota-born player to accomplish that feat, joining Phil Housley, Mike Ramsey and Blake Wheeler. As the only Minnesota player to reach this milestone within 14 seasons. Additionally, he is the 395th NHL player to reach his 1,000th game and the only 105th player to accomplish this feat before his 34th birthday.

Other Minnesota-born players have reached the 1,000-game milestone. Leddy also won a state championship, the Mr. Hockey Award and the Stanley Cup, making him unique as the only Minnesotan to play in 1,000 NHL games.

“It's amazing, I don't know how else to describe it,” Reddy said.

The Blues defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime in a game between two teams competing for a playoff spot, but there was more to it than just a victory.

“It was an important and emotional game. I'm happy to win, but it was special,” Reddy said.

After the game, a celebration was held in Reddy's honor at a local bar. The gathering at McGovern's Pub was attended by Reddy's family, friends and former teammates.

“Everyone in this room has contributed and helped me every step of the way. I appreciate everything they've done,” Reddy said.

Reddy's father Mike is one of his biggest supporters, but he also played a big role in Nick Reddy's career as a young hockey player.

“We had a rink in our backyard and he started skating there and took lessons there. I was able to coach him all the way to Squirts as well,” Mike Ready said.

Reddy always put hockey first, but he was a three-sport athlete. Therefore, his childhood was full of sports and an active life.

“Like any parent in the hockey world, we were always on the go. In addition to hockey, he also played travel football and baseball, which I think contributed a lot to his development. “Mike Reddy said.

Leddy, 33, led Eden Prairie to the high school state championship in 2009, recording three goals and one assist in the Eagles' first win for the program. Leddy won the prestigious Mr. Hockey award after a senior season with the Eagles where he posted a 12-33-45 record. He finished his career with 91 points, a record for an Eden Prairie defensive player. The other 10 2009 Mr. Hockey finalists are Dan Delisle or Totino Grace, Edina's Marshall Everson, Little Falls' Ben Hanowski, New Prague's Tyler Lapic, Edina's Anders Lee; They were Danny Mattson of the Academy of Holy Angels and Zach Palmquist of the Academy of Holy Angels. South St. Paul, Centennial's Tyler Pitlick and Duluth East's Max Tardy.

The veteran defenseman was drafted 16th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by his hometown team, the Minnesota Wild, but was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks before playing for the Wild. He was in the middle of his first season at the University of Minnesota when Reddy moved.

“I was young at the time and didn't understand the business side of things, but you talk about destiny and things happening for a reason, and I think it worked,” Reddy says. I did.

Leddy's NHL rights were traded in exchange for Cam Barker. Barker lasted just 71 games over two seasons before the Wild moved on from him. He scored just two goals and 12 points for the Wild.

“I was shocked, but they had a reason for the trade. I don't think they thought it was a good trade,” Mike Leddy said with a smile on his face.

Leddy played just one season as a freshman for the Golden Gophers, posting a 3-8-11 record in 30 games. In the summer of 2010, Leddy signed an entry-level contract for him to play for the NHL's Blackhawks. Four years after winning a state title with Eden Prairie, Leddy hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks. The Minnesota native appeared in 48 games during the regular season, posting a total of 6-12-18 for Chicago. Just 21 years old, he played in a total of 23 games in the postseason, including all six games in the Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins. Leddy had two assists in the Blackhawks' Cup win.

“When Nick was a kid, I was one of those parents who knew from the time my kid was in youth hockey that he was going to go to the NHL. So to see him win a Stanley Cup was incredible. ” said Mike.

Leddy was a top-four defenseman on all four teams he played for. Although he is known for his defense-first mentality, his ability to move the puck continues to make him one of the most reliable players in the league. He played in 1,000 NHL games, scoring 73 goals and 335 assists, bringing his career points to 408.

“I'm really proud of him. Not only is he a really good hockey player, but he's also a good human being,” Mike Ready said.

Lady is known as a caring, respectful and very humble person. He has earned the respect of the players on every team he has played for. This was evident on Saturday as multiple teammates said they were happy for his win and said it gave him extra motivation.

“Ready, like most hockey players, is very humble and kind, but he treats everything as a blessing. His accomplishments are very special, and they don't come easily,” said the New York Islanders defenseman. Mann, Mike Riley's father, Michael Riley Sr. said.

Leddy's incredible hockey resume marks him as one of the greatest Minnesota-born players of all time. Many who watched Reddy from high school onwards could see what his future had in store, but each accomplishment was just the next goal for him.

“Everything was a step. When you're in high school, you just want to play on varsity and win a state championship, and then you want to play at your dream college and then play in the NHL,” Leddy said. Told. “I never expected this to happen, but I’m thankful for the coaches I still keep in touch with, as well as my family and everyone else.”

The St. Louis Blues will honor Leddy during a pregame ceremony when they host the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Monday, March 25th.